How to Clean a Washing Machine

You know how to use it to clean your laundry, but do you know how to clean a washing machine? In order for your washer to work and clean your clothes better, it should be kept clean, too! Like any other home appliance, your washing machine needs maintenance to avoid damage. You may find that your washer may develop a foul odour over time, and this smell can affect your laundry. Spend some time and read the instructions below on how to clean washing machines and picking the right washing machine cleaner so that your washer continues to give its optimal performance.

The Best Washing Machine Cleaner for Top-Loader Machines

If you own a top loading washing machine, fill your empty machine with hot water and select a full load setting. When the tub is full, add 3 to 4 cups of distilled white vinegar and ½ cup baking soda as a simple washing machine cleaner.

Start the wash cycle and allow it to agitate for some time before turning off the machine. Leave the water in the tub for an hour. This will allow the mixture to loosen all the dirt and grime in the machine.

Now, restart the machine and complete the full wash cycle. Allow the water to drain.

In case of any residue, soak a cloth in a water and vinegar solution and wipe it whereever you see left over stains. Remember to wipe the blades of the agitator and the lid of the washer.

Following these instructions will help you avoid many washing machine problems – but in case the odour still persists, the issue might be in the inner parts of the machine. Contact the manufacturer, who can repair the washing machine for you if your washer is under warranty. Otherwise, approach a local appliance repair shop – they will know how to clean the washing machine for you at a reasonable price.

How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine

If you close the door of a front loading washing machine immediately after a wash, the machine might start to smell! After a wash, the tub of the washer is warm and wet – a perfect environment for mildew to grow! To avoid this , leave the door open for the water to evaporate and allow the moisture to escape.

If you use detergents that are specially made for your high efficiency front loader machines, like the Front load variant of Surf Excel Matic, it’s unlikely that you will need a special washing machine cleaner. Surf Excel Matic for front loading machines contains a unique ‘Low Foam’ formula that removes stains without generating excess foam that might cause damage to your front load machine.

Keep a paper towel handy when you’re removing clothes from the washer – use it to wipe the inside of the washer thoroughly. Also, water can sit in the grooves of the rubber door seal. If you can, remove this seal and clean it – you can mix ¾ cup chlorine bleach with a gallon of warm water, and then dip an old toothbrush in the mixture and clean the grooves of the door seal.

Old, smelly water can settle in the drain pump filter where it might cause washing machine problems. Clean this filter every two weeks. Keep a bucket under the filter, and then it’s easy to open it and clean it.

Does your washer have a ‘tub clean’ feature? If not, pour two cups bleach in the empty washer as a washing machine cleaner and run it on hottest cycle. Wipe it with a paper towel once done and leave the door open to air out.

So, the next time your washer starts to smell, don’t worry! Just follow these instructions to keep your washer free from odours. Do you know any other tips to cope with washing machine problems or how to clean washing machines? Or, do you know a great washing machine cleaner? Share your knowledge with us in the comments below!

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